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Nintendo has officially revealed that preorders for the highly anticipated *Nintendo Switch 2* will go live on **April 24**, giving fans a chance to secure their next-gen console ahead of its **June 5** launch date. Major retailers including Walmart, Best Buy, Target, GameStop, and the official Nintendo Store have shared details on when and how you can place your preorder. Below is a complete guide to help you prepare and ensure you don’t miss out on this major release.

Switch 2 Preorder Times at a Glance

Walmart – 12:00 a.m. ET, April 24
Best Buy – 12:00 a.m. ET, April 24
Target – 12:00 a.m. ET, April 24
GameStop – 11:00 a.m. ET, April 24

If you're short on time and just need the key dates, the list above includes all the essential times and links to each retailer’s preorder page. For more in-depth details about each store’s preorder process, keep reading below.

Walmart: Switch 2 Preorders

See at Walmart

$449.00 at Walmart
Preorder available starting at 12:00 a.m. ET on April 24

Walmart will open online preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 right at midnight Eastern Time on April 24. While there's no confirmation regarding in-store preorder availability, Walmart stands out by offering free delivery of your new Switch 2 console by 9:00 a.m. ET on June 5, the official launch day—an exclusive perk worth noting.

Best Buy: Switch 2 Preorders

See at Best Buy

$449.99 at Best Buy
Preorder available starting at 12:00 a.m. ET on April 24

Best Buy will also begin accepting online preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2, along with compatible games and accessories, at the stroke of midnight ET on April 24. In addition, most Best Buy stores will open at midnight on June 5 for customers who opt for in-store pickup when placing their order.

Target: Switch 2 Preorders

See at Target

$449.99 at Target
Preorder available starting at 12:00 a.m. ET on April 24

Like Walmart and Best Buy, Target will open online preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 and related titles at midnight ET on April 24. At this time, there has been no official word from Target regarding in-store preorder options.

GameStop: Switch 2 Preorders

See at GameStop

$449.99 at GameStop
Preorder available starting at 11:00 a.m. ET on April 24

GameStop is launching its Nintendo Switch 2 preorders later than other major retailers, beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET on April 24—eleven hours after the others. That said, if you prefer an in-person experience, you can also place your preorder at participating GameStop locations once they open on April 24.

For those eager to get their hands on the console the moment it drops, GameStop stores will be open at midnight on June 5 for preorder pickups.

Nintendo Store: Switch 2 Preorders

See at Nintendo Store

$449.99 at Nintendo Store

Preordering directly through the official Nintendo Store comes with a unique process. First, you’ll need to visit this page, sign into your Nintendo account, and register your interest by selecting either the standalone console or a bundle that includes Mario Kart World.

After registering, Nintendo will send you an email invitation when it's time to finalize your purchase. The first wave of invitations is scheduled to go out on May 8, and you'll have 72 hours to complete your transaction once you receive your invite.

There are some important eligibility requirements to be aware of. This option is only available to users who meet specific criteria: “those who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with a minimum of 12 months of paid membership and at least 50 total gameplay hours, as of April 2, 2025.” If you don’t qualify, you’ll need to proceed through one of the third-party retailers.

Be sure to also check out our full guide on how to increase your chances of successfully preordering a Nintendo Switch 2.